It’s a crime that not too many listeners are familiar with the name of Perla Batalla, even though they may have heard the chanteuse back Leonard Cohen, who’s credited with discovering her talent and full potential, in the studio and on stage. Encouraged by the Canadian poet laureate and signed by no less legendary Jac Holzman, Perla embarked on a solo career three decades ago and have released quite a few albums since 1994, yet the lady’s fresh offering is bound to feel special.
Released a few days ago, Batalla’s “A Letter To Leonard Cohen: Tribute To A Friend” is, as its title suggests, an intimate collection of her late mentor’s classics that she knows the inner mechanics of and, thus, can interpretate in a very personal manner. From Leonard’s early pieces such “Sisters Of Mercy” to his latter-day cuts like “You Want It Darker” and on to Cohen’s deeper cuts, including “A Singer Must Die” and other gems, plus opening dedication written by Perla herself, her unique perspective makes this record extremely interesting.
A Letter To Leonard Cohen:
Tribute To A Friend
1. Awakened
2. A Thousand Kisses Deep
3. Democracy
4. Sisters Of Mercy
5. Everybody Knows
6. Ain’t No Cure For Love
7. The Partisan
8. You Want It Darker
9. The L of Your First Name
10. Take This Waltz
11. A Singer Must Die
